04-07-2025
Kinetic by Windstream review 2025: Plans, prices and availability
Kinetic is a rural internet service provided by Windstream Communications. Kinetic by Windstream claims to provide fiber and DSL internet connections to approximately 3% of the country, covering parts of 18 states.
Kinetic's relatively small service area targets rural and suburban regions. It may be the perfect choice if you live in Georgia, Iowa or Kentucky, where the company's coverage is extensive. It typically offers faster speeds, competitive prices and more favorable service terms than other rural internet providers.
Kinetic by Windstream also offers several bundles, including home phone, mobile phone and security plans.
Read on to discover if Kinetic is the right choice for you.
Kinetic by Windstream plans and pricing
Windstream's prices start at $24.99 (with autopay) for a 100 Mbps fiber internet connection or $44.99 (with autopay) for DSL. However, actual prices and service availability may vary depending on your location. Windstream's advertised prices are promotional and typically increase after 12 months. Read the fine print of your agreement and be aware that your starting monthly price has a limited lifespan.
Kinetic also charges customers several one-time fees, including a $50 activation fee, a $35 professional installation fee (which can be waived by opting for self-installation) and a $65 charge for new phone jack installation at your home. There's also a monthly equipment rental fee of $4.99 for copper/DSL customers and $10.99 for fiber customers unless you use your own modem and router.
Kinetic by Windstream offers five internet plans, all with no data caps or annual contracts. However, some households will only have access to Kinetic's DSL plans, which provide speeds up to 200 Mbps. Fiber plans include 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 1 gigabit (GB) and 2 GB.
Kinetic High-Speed (up to 200 Mbps DSL)
Kinetic is known for its fiber-cable-backed DSL system, which delivers faster internet speeds than many satellite, fixed wireless or other DSL providers. This plan is widely available in rural areas
Kinetic Fiber 100 Mbps
This internet speed supports essential internet tasks, such as sending and receiving email, browsing and streaming video. A 100 Mbps connection should be sufficient for households with three to five users and devices.
Kinetic Fiber 300 Mbps
Kinetic by Windstream's 300 Mbps plan starts at $39.99 per month with a one-year price guarantee. This plan is ideal for moderate users who use the internet for everyday browsing, video conferencing, HD streaming and gaming. It can support up to nine devices for basic use (email, browsing, social media) and up to four devices for streaming HD/4K video without lag.
Kinetic Fiber 1 Gig
Kinetic's 1 Gig plan, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, is ideal for a large, busy family with around 20 connected devices. This speed is sufficient for seamless 4K streaming and video calls, high-performance online gaming, downloading and uploading large files and connecting security systems and smart appliances.
Kinetic Fiber 2 Gig
Kinetic's 2 Gig plan boasts speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps and is best for large households or businesses that regularly engage in high-bandwidth activities. The plan can handle activities that include streaming 4K or 8K content across multiple devices, playing online games (including VR and AR games), downloading or uploading large files, photos and videos at high speeds, and establishing a home network of smart devices or home automation.
*All promotional prices are valid for a 12-month service agreement with autopay.
**Actual speeds may vary depending on connectivity in your area.
***Fiber 1 Gig plan starts with a promotional rate of $39.99 per month for the first three months, then increases to $69.99 per month with a two-year price guarantee.
Kinetic by Windstream deals and bundles
Windstream does not offer a traditional TV service; however, you can add YouTube TV or DIRECTV to your internet plan as an optional add-on. There are no cost savings, however, when you bundle these services with a Kinetic internet plan. The provider also offers home phone and security plans.
According to Kinetic's sales representative, every new customer is eligible to receive a $200 prepaid Mastercard debit card.*
Here are some additional add-ons and optional features that Kinetic by Windstream offers.
Kinetic Secure is an add-on that protects online transactions, activities and data from cyber threats, inappropriate content and other potential online threats. New and existing customers can add Kinetic Secure for free for the first three months. After that, the cost is $14.99 per month.
Kinetic Secure Home offers a no-contract home security system. The two available plans have DIY installation and app-based monitoring. Home security plans are available for as low as $10 to $30 per month. The security plans don't require contracts but do have high equipment fees.
You can bundle Kinetic Internet with Kinetic Voice (VoIP), a home phone service delivered over the internet, for $25 per month. Alternatively, you can choose a standalone service priced at $50 per month. Phone service includes the following:
If you bundle Kinetic high-speed internet with a new or existing AT&T wireless plan, you can save $20 a month. This bundling deal only applies to new Kinetic internet customers (if you have not been a Kinetic customer within the last 30 days).
*Bonus offer. Subject to change at any time.
Kinetic by Windstream vs. other providers
Kinetic's fiber pricing is among the lowest in rural areas, though its availability is limited compared to Spectrum or CenturyLink. Here's a quick look at how Kinetic compares with ISPs with similar starting speeds:
Kinetic by Windstream coverage and availability
About 3% of the United States has access to Windstream services, including just over 1% of fiber availability within that population. Kinetic by Windstream covers parts of the following 18 states:
Kinetic by Windstream customer service
If you need assistance from Kinetic by Windstream's customer service team, you have several options. Live chat support is available for online orders and billing inquiries Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and for technical support and phone repairs daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Bottom line: Kinetic by Windstream offers fast, flexible internet options for rural and suburban areas, with competitive pricing — especially on fiber plans — if it's available in your location.
Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect
